We conducted a nationwide survey of women from Parenting's MomConnection research panel to pinpoint their top criteria in choosing a place to raise their families. Their choices were (in order of priority): quality of schools; affordability and availability of quality housing; low crime rates; job availability and growth; number of registered sex offenders; recreational opportunities; quality/quantity of pediatricians/family physicians; commute time and distance; proximity to a good children's hospital; quality/quantity of childcare facilities and preschools; and air quality.

Next, we compiled a list of the top 100 cities by population, according to the U.S. Census. We removed towns that were so close to other large cities that they would have similar data. We also added in smaller cities that are widely known. Then we crunched more than 5,000 bits of info in 52 categories to devise rankings for Economy, Safety, Health, Education, and Recreation. Finally, we averaged those findings, giving the most weight to Education, Economy, and Safety, to determine the "Overall Score."

About Austin: Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, hosting almost 200 venues and is the home to even more musicians. While enjoying the tunes, try some Texas BBQ or window shop at one of the many shopping areas.

About Ann Arbor: Ann Arbor was named Forbes Best College Sports Town and the third Best Midwest Food Town in 2009 by Midwest Living. The city hosts numerous musicians, shows and festivals and is home to the University of Michigan.

About Tucson: Tucson averages 350 sunny days per year and is bordered on all sides by natural areas, including Coronado National Forest, Catalina State Park, Ironwood Forest National Monument, and Saguaro National Park.

About Winston-Salem: Winston-Salem is home to three universities and one college: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and Salem College (for women).

About Arlington: Arlington is home to the 1,300 acre, family-friendly River Legacy Park, where you'll find picnic areas, paved hike/bike trails, a meditation area, river overlooks, playground, and a canoe launch.

About Anaheim: Anaheim is located in Orange County, which boasts 42 miles of coastline and endless opportunities for fun. Spend a day golfing with an ocean view, visit a theme park or cheer on the Angels baseball team or the Anaheim Ducks hockey team.

About Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Museum of Art was made famous by being featured in the popular "Rocky" films, when Sylvester Stallone, as the boxer Rocky, made his famous training runs up the front steps.